2018 Istanbul > Amsterdam

Go with the flow of history

Embark on the ultimate luxury European tour and river cruise, starting in Istanbul and taking a long and intriguing journey all the way to the beautiful Amsterdam, and the North Sea.

It’s a route that takes in the full sweep of European history, from East to West, and includes so many of Europe’s most arresting landmarks. You have the rare opportunity to make a pilgrimage to Gallipoli, where you can pay your respects before journeying to Nessebar on the stunning Black Sea coast. Your luxury Scenic Space-Ship will spirit you through the Iron Gates, into Serbia. From there, cruise the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers before arriving in historic Amsterdam.

30 Day Itinerary

Day 1 -
Istanbul

Highlights:

Welcome reception

Welcome to Istanbul, famously the only city in the world crossing two continents and linking east with west. You will be met at Istanbul airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel, for a three night stay. The rest of the day is at leisure, before meeting up this evening over a welcome drink with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.

Day 2 -
Istanbul

Highlights:

Turkish cooking class

Freechoice

Try your hand at a cooking class or join a calligraphy course and master the ancient art of writing. Alternatively, relax and rejuvenate during your visit to the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami Turkish Baths.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 -
Istanbul

Highlights:

Enrich Hamdi Restaurant dinner

This morning visit Hagia Sophia and spend some time wandering the evocative Grand Bazaar before enjoying an afternoon at leisure.

Enrich

Tonight, a special treat awaits you as you partake in your farewell dinner at the stunning Hamdi Restaurant, where you’ll be treated to outstanding views over the Golden Horn, accompanied by the call to prayer that echoes from the numerous surrounding mosques.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 -
Istanbul > Canakkale

Highlights:

Homer’s Troy

Today travel along the Northern Aegean Coast to Canakkale. This afternoon explore the historical city of Troy, where you will discover the remaining sites, including a giant replica of the Trojan Horse. Then, check in into your hotel for a two night stay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 -
Canakkale > Gallipoli

Highlights:

Gallipoli ANZAC heritage

Today travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula, the site of WWI landings by the allied forces, including ANZAC troops. There are over 31 cemeteries on the peninsula, which is now a national park, and you’ll have the chance to explore it all and gain a unique perspective on this moving and historically poignant location.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 -
Canakkale > Nessebar

Highlights:

The Black Sea coast

Travel to the stunning Black Sea coast for a two night stay in Nessebar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 -
Nessebar

Highlights:

Pristine beaches

Your Tour Director is on hand to help plan your free day.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 -
Nessebar > Bucharest

Highlights:

Romania’s capital

See a diverse range of scenery as you pass through Bulgaria to the Romanian capital, Bucharest. Then, check-in for your overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 -
Bucharest > Giurgiu

Highlights:

Palace of Parliament

Freechoice

Enjoy a guided visit to the impressive Palace of the Parliament. Or tour the Village Open Air Museum and discover ethnography exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture.

Travel to Giurgiu where you will be personally welcomed by your friendly dedicated staff on board your luxury Scenic Space-Ship. Tonight, join your fellow guests for a welcome cocktail in the lounge.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 -
Silistra

Highlights:

Black Sea & Varna

Freechoice

Discover the Silistra Fort during an active walking tour, or take an excursion to Varna on the Black Sea coast. Alternatively, visit a local village, and learn about life in Bulgaria.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 -
Russe > Nikopol

Highlights:

Byzantine treasures

Freechoice

Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Russe. Or discover the Byzantine gem of Veliko Tarnovo and the World Heritage-listed village of Arbanassi; continue to Nikopol in Bulgaria before re-boarding your ship.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 -
Iron Gates

Highlights:

Danube Gorge

Relax on board and admire the scenery as you cruise the spectacular Iron Gates – a narrow gorge that the Danube has carved out between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. Not only is it a spectacular setting for a cruise, it’s also the natural border between Serbia and Romania.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 -
Belgrade

Highlights:

Scenic Sundowners

Freechoice

Join your local guide and discover one of the oldest capital cities in Europe – Belgrade. Alternatively, choose a guided bicycle ride along the Danube, or taste your way around the local market through our Shop with a Chef offering. Or for some true insight into local life join a walking tour with a local.

Sundowners

Raise a toast to the end of a wonderful day, it’s a moment to savour, and a chance to reflect on all you’ve seen and experienced.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 -
Osijek

Highlights:

Enrich home hosted meal

Freechoice

Explore Osijek on a guided city tour, or if you’re the more active type, you could opt to take a blissful guided bike ride through Osijek’s countryside.

Enrich

As a special Scenic guest, you’ll be invited into the home of a local family for a traditional home-cooked meal and the chance to discover what everyday life is really like in Croatia. With great food and wonderful company, this will be both a magnificent meal and a rare opportunity for one-on-one contact with people who understand the local way of life intimately. Enjoy.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 -
Kalocsa

Highlights:

Hungarian horse show

Today you’ll get to witness a traditional Hungarian horse show.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16 -
Budapest

Highlights:

Buda & Pest

Today enjoy Budapest at your leisure; perhaps wander the streets of the old town for local crafts or simply relax on board.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 -
Budapest

Highlights:

Thermal Baths

Freechoice

Make the most of Budapest with a guided tour of this city of contradictory delights, or relax and unwind at the Thermal Baths and Spa. Alternatively, you can choose to experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock, a relic of WWII and the 1956 uprising.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18 -
Vienna

Highlights:

Enrich Private Viennese concert

As you cruise the mighty Danube relax in one of the lounges and viewing areas, and enjoy the scenery as your Scenic Space-Ship sails towards the majestic city of Vienna.

Enrich

Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein while enjoying a glass of fine Austrian Sekt. Then be enthralled by an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19 -
Vienna

Highlights:

Imperial treasures

Freechoice

Take a guided tour of Bratislava or Schönbrunn Palace. Alternatively, visit the world-renowned Spanish Riding School and either tour the stables or see the famous Lipizzaner Stallions perfecting their skills during their morning exercise program. Or you might wish to explore this majestic city on a guided cycling tour.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20 -
Dürnstein > Melk

Highlights:

Sundowners in Wachau Valley

Freechoice

Embark on an enjoyable guided bike ride along the river from Dürnstein to Melk or be guided through Melk’s magnificent 18th century Benedictine Abbey. Alternatively, visit a local winery and sample some of its fine wines.

Sundowners

As the day ends, you’ll get to enjoy the fine view of the breathtakingly beautiful Wachau Valley – a wonderful ending to a magnificent day.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21 -
Passau > Salzburg

Highlights:

The Wonder of the Sound of Music

Enrich

Let the ‘Best of The Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’ transport you to another time and place. Based on the timeless movie of the same name, this exclusive production is performed in the rolling hills of Salzburg and will wow you with its stage sets. Enjoy an authentic Austrian lunch and then hum along to the show’s catchy classics.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 22 -
Regensburg

Highlights:

Danube Gorge

At the confluence of three rivers, Regensburg offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from its medieval Old Town to the Bavarian Forest on its border.

Freechoice

Enjoy a walking tour of the city or hop on board a local ferry and sail the Danube Gorge to view Weltenburg Abbey, sampling beer from one of the oldest monastic breweries in the world.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 23 -
Nuremberg

Highlights:

WW2 history

Welcome to this fascinating Bavarian city, dating back to the 11th century.

Freechoice

Visit moving WWII sites, or take a baking class.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 24 -
Bamberg

Highlights:

Old town

Immerse yourself in the World Heritage-listed old town of Bamberg, alive with history. With your knowledgeable local guide, walk the same cobbled streets as medieval traders once did.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 25 -
Würzburg

Highlights:

Romantic Rothenburg

Freechoice

Visit the Bishop’s Residenz Palace and sample some exquisite local wine, or explore the famous Romantic Road – an important trade route during the Middle Ages. Then take in the beautiful walled town of Rothenburg, a medieval gem that overlooks the Tauber River.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 26 -
Würzburg > Rüdesheim

Highlights:

Full day cruising

Soak in the vistas of the Main River as you spend a full day relaxing on board your Scenic Space-Ship. Allow the passing scenery to mesmerise you from the comfort of your suite or the Sun Deck. Commentary from your Scenic Tailormade device will describe the captivating view unfolding before you in vivid detail. Or simply indulge in the on board amenities of your 5-star floating hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 27 -
Rüdesheim > Rhine Gorge > Marksburg Castle

Highlights:

Castle Medieval Castle banquet

Immerse yourself in charming Rüdesheim and board the Winzerexpress mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Then enjoy a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument for a spectacular bird’s eye view of the river.

Enrich

Delight in the medieval ambience at Marksburg Castle, which has remained virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages. You’ll get the opportunity to partake in a magnificent medieval feast, with an abundance of fine fare and quantities of free flowing local red wine.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 28 -
Cologne

Highlights:

Cologne cathedral

Freechoice

Stroll through Cologne and view the filigree twin towers of the famous cathedral. Or enjoy a taste experience lecture on board your Scenic Space-Ship.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 29 -
Amsterdam

Highlights:

Canal cruise

Freechoice

Experience an iconic canal cruise or enjoy a slice of quintessential Holland at Zaanse Schans, with its windmills and open-air conservation area.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 30 -
Amsterdam

Highlights:

Farewell

Depart after breakfast. Amsterdam is the end of your cruise, but the beginning of a lifetime of wonderful memories.